Battle of the Rooksbury Mill Coots

The Coot is a bird that's often overlooked and regarded as a relativity boring bird. This time of the year with Spring coming, it's the perfect time for catching action shots of territorial disputes and battles over females. For those of you that don't know, like everything there's a pattern, this generally starts with a great deal of vocalization and posturing, you will see the males hunker down and start heading over toward the potential rival, then they fluff themselves up to make themselves look bigger both to attract the female but also to ward off potential males. Inevitably it results in two males squaring off at each other and then the battle commences. They are absolutely ruthless and very aggressive fighters and the fight can last a few seconds or as this one did about a minute or two. While it's impossible to be in all places at all times, if you happen to spot the signs it's well worth getting as close as you can without disturbing them, sit quietly get ready and enjoy the show :)